What to Do When the Tax Preparer Messes Up
Nothing is more disheartening to have a tax preparer file a return for you that looks like you are going to get money back, then you discover you owe money to the IRS.
You open up that envelope thinking it is going to contain a check, and instead it is a letter from the tax department asking for the money you owe them. What’s worse is now interest is going to start collecting on that amount owed, unless you get it paid immediately.
You first thought is of course you are angry. After all you took the proper steps and paid a tax preparer to do your taxes properly so this very mistake wouldn’t happen. Then you are shocked, when you notify the tax department that this wasn’t your mistake, it was your tax preparer’s and this really means nothing to them.
The bottom line is you are responsible for your taxes. Therefore you are the one that the tax department is going to come after for the money, not your tax preparer. It is always a good idea to list who prepared your taxes on your form. If the IRS sees the same tax preparer making too many errors they may be able to take some action, but it won’t be to make him pay what you owe.
Unfortunately this is a lesson learned that you must be very astute at picking a reputable tax preparer to complete your taxes. Many times a reputable tax firm will stand behind their work. If it was a blatant error on their part they may pay for the mistake by paying what is owed. They are under no obligation to do this however, unless they advertise this openly that it is their policy, or you have something in writing from them to support this.
It is worth taking the extra time to shop around for a tax preparer that is trustworthy and credible.
Next Step: Be sure to download your free “Tax Preparer Hiring Guide “ now…
|